I'm looking at a 1959 F-100 4x4 for my next project. I also have a 1966 F-250 4x4 parts truck. My question is are the axles a bolt on swap. Did Ford use the same frame in 1959 for F-100/F-250 and just change axle size?I going to ask the 1959 owner to do a few measurements and then compare with my 1966. Thought somebody on the forum has already figure this out?
Thanks, john

 

From what I know, the front axle width is the same from '59 to 1979 (solid axle dana 44), and maybe up through 1996 (though it's IFS/ITT). The rear axle width got wider in 1973 and beyond. So are the frames the same? I don't think so. But if the front axle width is the same and the frame width is the same (34"), then modifying either/or shouldn't be too difficult.

 

The 59 and 66 used the same axles, dana 44 front closed knuckle and dana 60 rear. Few differences: 59 used 2 inch front springs, 66 used 2.5 inch springs so the spring perch on the axle is wider on the 66. Front shock placement is different on the axle so that would have to modified. Spicer 24 transfer case is the same. They use the same drag link and pitman arm but the tie rod ends are bigger so hopefully you have the tie rod ends with the axle.

One difference is the 3/4 tons used 4.55 front and 4.56 rear axle ratios.


I put on a 1962 front dana 44 axle on my 1960 4x4 and essentially all I did was file down the spring perches on the front axle so the U bolts would line up with my 1960 spring saddles. I just kept the 2 inch front springs. Let us know what you do. Good luck.